When we think of trust, we typically think of trusting other people. But what I’m talking about is trusting ourselves to make the best choices for us and trusting that the universe has our back. Neither are easy things to do.

We so often second guess ourselves, over think things and ask other people for advice. We forget to trust our gut and do what is best for us. I think part of this is because we feel we are not good enough or smart enough to make these decisions for ourselves and we’re afraid of making the ‘wrong’ decision. I feel that we have also lost touch with being ok with (and striving for) doing what truly makes us happy.

It’s difficult to think, know and feel that we are worthy of being happy. But we are. Somewhere along the line we were taught or inherited the need to put everyone else’s happiness before our own. As if this will make us a better person. 

We are also inherently taught that our desires are selfish or worse, wrong. But as long as our desires do not involve hurting others or ourselves, they are neither selfish nor wrong. I believe that our desires are a window into what truly makes us happy. And our purpose in life is to figure out what truly makes us happy. What makes us our absolute best selves? Which in turn is the absolute best for those around us and the planet. I do think that once we accept that we truly are worthy of being happy, it’s easier to trust ourselves to make the right decisions. And once you start trusting yourself you will notice that more things fall into place to support you.

It can be scary to make decisions by ourselves. To not get advice from others. But something I’ve picked up along the way that helps with this is to get quiet and think about the decision you must make. Just sit with it and think about how it makes you feel to say yes or no. Do you feel resistance? Or excitement? Or fear? If you feel excitement the answer is yes. Go for it! If you feel fear or resistance, think about why you might be feeling that. Could it be an opportunity for growth? If so, don’t say yes yet. Think about it some more. If you are still resistant or even feel dread, the answer is no. 

One thing to keep in mind is that you are doing what is best for you. And if you do something because you truly want to, you can go while being your true authentic self which makes everyone involved happier.

Yes, you can expect to get pushback from others. Especially those that are used to you always doing whatever they want you to do. You need to be ok with that. Eventually they will learn that you are your own person, and they will see that you are happier for it. If that doesn’t happen then they do not have your best interest at heart, and you do not need that in your life. 

Trusting the universe is very similar to trusting yourself, except that it gives you a partner in your pursuit of happiness. A partner that only wants what is best for you. 

This partner in life has many names for people. The universe, collective consciousness, higher power, God. The name doesn’t matter. Use what feels right to you. 

I use the universe or collective consciousness. It’s easier for me to see the world as a planet full of connected people with common goals, even if only sub-consciously. 

For me, growing up in a Catholic house, the vision of God is an old white man in the sky telling me to live fearfully and punishing me when I do something wrong. The God I learned about was not a partner in my happiness. In fact, it was the exact opposite. I was to be as unhappy as possible to prove that I put everyone else before myself so that I could be worthy of heaven. I no longer feel that is true but rather than fight with my past perceptions of the word God, I choose to use words that make more sense to me. 

Once you realize that you have a partner in your pursuit of happiness you will notice synchronicities start to appear. A long-lost friend may reach out to you with a new opportunity or chance to get together, referrals may come your way, projects may go more smoothly. I often get little reminders at work to do something I had forgotten about. You may also notice that your interactions with others are more friendly, and you will start to feel more peaceful and connected. 

It may take some time and there will be trials and errors, but the reward is so great. Just keep at it. Find what brings you to your happy place and return to is as often as necessary. You can do this. Trust yourself and know that I and the universe are supporting you in your journey to peace and happiness.